Man gets 8 years for attempted armed robbery

Monday

May 12, 2014 at 10:03 PMMay 12, 2014 at 10:07 PM

Associated Press

PEORIA — A Peoria man was sentenced Monday to eight years in prison for trying to hold up a convenience store last year.

Marcey J. Jones, 22, of 2708 W. Marquette St. pleaded guilty to attempted armed robbery in Peoria County Circuit Court as his case was to go to trial. Prosecutors dropped a pending armed robbery case and dismissed two lesser counts.

At about 2 p.m. March 29, 2013, Jones was approaching Johnson’s Mini Mart, 907 S. Johnson St. The clerk inside thought he looked suspicious, so he locked the doors, according to prosecutors. Jones, who had what the clerk thought was a handgun, tried to open the door but couldn’t so he fled the area. He was arrested a short time later by police who were given a description by the clerk.

Jones will serve his sentence after he completes a 28-month term he received in December after being convicted of mob action. Authorities say he and three others beat another man while all five were in a holding cell at the Peoria County Courthouse.

The fight occurred on Aug. 26, 2013. Four of the defendants were charged with mob action, with three, including Jones, sentenced to prison terms ranging from 28 months to four years.

Jones is eligible for day-for-day “good-time” credit, meaning he could get out in a bit more than four years if he doesn’t get into trouble.